On November 13, students at Biidaaban were visited by Sagamok Elders, who were invited to share knowledge on the Grandfather teachings with every grade level. The seven grandfather teachings include:
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As part of the Rock Your Mocs and Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week at Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik, discussion in the classrooms focused on each of the Grandfather Teachings. Discussions focused on the connection between how students should treat themselves and those around them by using this knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation.
In the library, a group of Grade 3 and 4 students were gathered on the comfortable sofas, mindful and respectful of the elder that was present to offer them the teaching on Zaagidwin (Love). The Elder began by introducing herself in the traditional way, saying her name, the clan she comes from, and the community where it is located. She offered a prayer in Ojibwe and smudged the room, as well as all who were present. The children listened intently to her teachings, and were also given the opportunity to contribute their own thoughts on defining what love means. She spoke about the importance of honouring love for ourselves equally as we love others.
There was a large book from which the Elder read about Grandfather Teachings and their origins, as well as the story of the creation of Anishnaabe - how we are all a part of creation and all related. The Grandfather Teachings help us to understand how we should walk through our life in a good way and in a way that respects Mother Earth as well as each other. Students were presented the teachings in Anishnaabemowin as well as English, so they could learn the language and become familiar with the words used, how they sound, why they are used, where they came from, and confidently speak them freely and proudly as they discover their own heritage.
Out of respect for the advice given by the Elder, no photos were taken during this event.
